How To Make Money Freelance Writing For The Gaming Industry

 How To Make Money In Freelance Writing For The Gaming Industry

An interview with Brian Conrad, author of Freelance Poker Writing:

How To Make Money For The Gaming Industry

Q: Tell us about your book.

Brian: Freelance Poker Writing is the first book to show freelance writers how to make money in the gaming industry.

Q: So this is not just about poker?

Brian: No, this is writing for the gaming industry in general. This includes all types of casino style games. I focus more on poker in my book because it is the most popular game and the writers cover poker and the influence of poker and make more money.

Q: Tell us about your writing career.

Brian: I'm been a professional freelance writer since 1992. I have written for many publications and companies in many industries. Most of my clients are corporations and advertising agencies, and since I was hired to write their marketing materials, I specialize mainly as a copywriter. I have been reporting on new trends in freelance writing since 1998. I do not do much freelance writing for clients as I have expanded to other areas over the last ten years. You can read about my writing life on my website www.BusyEntrepreneur.com.

Q: How did you come up with the idea for your book?

Brian: I're addicted to Texas Hold's when the travel channel started broadcasting poker tournaments on TV. I later started playing poker for fun and became more and more addicted. My poker addiction prompted me to do more research about poker and the gaming industry. During my research, I met some freelance writers who are making money in this growth industry. I was also interested in how they got into it and how they worked independently in this industry. I wanted to tell their story. This is what gave me the idea for my book.

Q: What was the writing process like?

Brian: It took me about seven months to complete my book. I spent a lot of time researching the industry and interviewing writers and poker players. Since I run my own business during the day, I wrote this book in my spare time.

Q: What obstacles did you encounter while writing your book?

Brian: Some of the information and facts were difficult to correct, especially when writing about the rules of gaming. The interpretations of some gaming rules are contradictory and do not make complete sense depending on who interprets the rules.

Q: Who designed the cover and website for your book at FreelancePokerWriting.com?

Brian: I did. I love graphic design as much as I love writing. Both abilities go hand in hand with me. I learned a long time ago that you can make more money if you offer both writing and graphic design services to corporate clients. The skills I developed from my freelance career made writing and designing my book much easier. I also have two negative traits that work in my favor: I'm a control freak and I have a (less) focus. I enjoy managing all aspects of a project (writing, editing, designing, publishing, marketing) as well as managing many other projects throughout the day. I get bored very easily, so my cure is to be actively busy.

Q: Can you make a living writing for poker magazines?

Brian: You can make some money, but never give up your daily work. Poker magazines (those on Newsstand) do not offer high rates. Average rates are between 10 and 15 cents per word. Established freelance poker writers earn between .35 and .65 cents a word. Unless you are a writer with a lot of clips and a lot of experience, writing strictly for poker magazines is very competitive. Poker trade magazines, on the other hand, pay more and are less competitive, but it is important to know the business aspects of gaming.

Many authors look beyond poker magazines to other magazines that cover topics related to poker and gaming; It includes magazines on women's issues, men's issues, lifestyle, sports, betting, gaming, technology, travel, entertainment, and law. Many writers make a living writing for these magazines. Payment rates are very high write 20 articles at 300 words each on a topic (using certain keywords) for $10 per article. A skilled SEO writer can whip out these articles in less than three hours. That's $66 an hour. Many SEO writing gigs are not for me because I write slowly and I prefer writing articles that entertain and educate readers.

Freelance copywriting in the gaming industry pays well. The average hourly rate is between $25 and $45 per hour with three or more years of related experience. Many freelance copywriters secure copywriting gigs from ad agencies in this industry.

The most popular writing gig, I would have to say, is freelance writing for poker-related publications, both offline and online. Poker and gaming cover so many topics, and many writers sell their articles to a variety of media outlets.

Q: How do writers break into this industry?

BRIAN: I answer this question extensively in my book, so I will be brief. Some writers start their own blogs. Other writers pitch an article idea to an editor. Yes, that's it. Not real big secret. Of course, you have to know your stuff. You can't fake it till you make it in this industry.

Q: What is the most effective marketing strategy to publicize your writing services?

BRIAN: Online and offline social networking is the least costly and produces the best results to build a loyal readership and to build relationships with prospective clients. Online and offline social networking includes blogging; networking and schmoozing at poker events and tournaments; participating in discussion forums at poker websites and writing-related websites; joining a writers association to network with other members; creating a personality profile at MySpace.com; posting informative articles at AssociatedContent.com to generate free publicity for your services; and so on. There are so many variations of social networking these days, I can't list everything.

Q: What makes your book unique or what adds value?

BRIAN: That's easy the entire premise of the book is unique. I feel what adds value is the interviews with freelance writers and poker players. Many of them are at the peak of their careers. They exemplify success in every imaginable way. I was very fortunate to pick their minds. All of the writers and poker players I interviewed were eager to share their experiences so they could help other writers to succeed.

Q: What's next for you?

BRIAN: I am currently under contract to ghostwrite two books, one on small business funding, and the other on Internet marketing strategies. This should keep me extra busy for a while.

Thank you for your time.